Ellen Corby (June 3, 1911 - April 14, 1999) was an Oscar-nominated American character actress. She is most widely remembered for the role of "Grandma Walton" on the television series The Waltons, for which she won three Emmy Awards. Even after suffering a crippling stroke, Corby returned to filming "The Waltons", and her disabilities were written into her character, adding even more depth to her role.